HARTFORD, CT - Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) awards Tuesday for the towns of Essex, Hebron, Monroe, Tolland, and the Borough of Woodmont in Milford. Towns are awarded funds to undertake projects that upgrade infrastructure, strengthen business corridors, and improve public spaces.

“Municipal leaders have done a tremendous job advocating for these important community projects—and state government is a partner in these town-wide efforts to bolster economic development and improve the quality of life for residents,” said Governor Malloy. “These projects make us a stronger and more competitive state—they are part of reinventing Connecticut.”

AWARDS

Essex was awarded $471,500 for the Essex Civic Campus Enhancement Project which will allow the town to expand the number and size of community events. The project will renovate and expand the Town Hall parking area, replace and upgrade the Grove Street playscape to comply with ADA guidelines, renovate the town tennis courts, and improve pedestrian safety.

“I’m grateful to Governor Malloy for his favorable consideration of this request because this comprehensive capital improvement project might be too much for Essex to take on by itself, and that’s exactly how and when the state’s STEAP grants are intended to be used,” said State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook). “Improvements at Town Hall are particularly timely after the 2010 energy audit, and the playscape and tennis courts are very popular but in need of upgrades.”

“Essex is grateful to Governor Malloy and the Office of Policy and Management for their support of our infrastructure upgrade projects, “ said Norman Needleman, First Selectman, Town of Essex. “Our Town Hall, library, and park are important community gathering spaces and vital to the economy that is uniquely Essex. With strong support from our state legislators and town officials, we are able to improve Essex for residents and visitors.”

Hebron was awarded $500,000 to improve pedestrian safety, create parking in the Center of Hebron, and support economic development initiatives in the town’s business district. The improvements will create 5-10 construction jobs and enhance pedestrian safety on Main Street.

“This is great news for Hebron and I’m very happy to have been a part of this work,” said State Senator Edith Prague (D-Hebron). “This grant will help the town with economic development and make improvements which will strengthen the quality of life for all of our residents.”

“This is the third leg of the Main Street project funded by STEAP grants,” said State Representative Pamela Sawyer (R-Hebron). “It will increase safety for students who walk between the high school and youth service center, as well as provide other improvements for pedestrian safety and parking.”

“The Town of Hebron appreciates the cooperation and the partnership of the state in approving this grant,” said Andrew J. Tierney, Town Manager, Hebron. “This grant provides funding for needed safety improvements as well as making Main Street more walkable and vibrant for businesses and residents."

Monroe was awarded $110,000 to repave Timothy Road. This project will improve the commercial presence of companies in the industrial park area. It will protect local roads, scenic roads, and wetland areas by diverting heavy commercial traffic. It is expected to create up to 100 jobs.

“Reclaiming and repaving Timothy Hill Road will help move some truck traffic off of residential streets and could lead to some economic development in town,” said State Senator Anthony Musto (D-Monroe). “Many of Monroe’s streets are in a state of disrepair, I’m happy this STEAP grant has been approved.”

"I am pleased that Monroe will be receiving this grant under the STEAP program for the widening of Timothy Hill Road," said State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-Monroe). "The widening of this road in this industrial park will provide an alternative route for trucks to use and move their traffic off of surrounding residential roads."

Tolland was awarded $500,000 for the design and installation of artificial turf at the Tolland High School stadium field—part of a larger plan to rehabilitate the stadium. The field was closed for a couple of years due to difficulties in maintaining a safe, high quality field.

“Connecticut’s small towns are grateful for the STEAP program and the important projects that are realized from those funds,” said State Senator Guglielmo (R-Tolland). “I am very pleased with the administration for giving consideration to this project.”

“This is great news as upgrading the athletic field is an identified priority of the Town Council and athletic groups in town,” said State Representative Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland). “This is a great win for our community and showcases how a public-private partnership can advance projects that otherwise would not be completed. I especially want to thank the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for their continued support and assistance in awarding these funds.”

“We thank the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and our state delegation for their support of this community project to install lights and artificial turf at the High School stadium,” said Steve Werbner, Town Manager, Tolland. “Making this field a destination will enhance the overall economic condition of the town and will allow increased use by youth sports and residents.”

Borough of Woodmont (Milford) was awarded $500,000 to renovate and convert the Milford Fire House #5 to a borough town hall to house municipal offices, a community meeting place, and a social hall. Fifty construction jobs will be created as the two locations are redeveloped.

"I am grateful to Governor Malloy for this very important funding,” said State Senator Gayle Slossberg (D-Milford). “This grant will allow Woodmont to repurpose the decommissioned Fire Station and create a center for the community to meet, hold events, and provide services to seniors and youths. It will create short- and long-term benefits for Woodmont. I am proud to have worked with the Governor, the Mayor and the Borough President to make the new Borough hall a reality."

"The funding will provide the Borough of Woodmont an excellent building for borough business and other community activities. The current firehouse will replace a temporary structure that has served residents for more than 40 years," said State Representative Richard Roy (D-Milford). “I wish to compliment borough officials past and present for their work, as well as other citizens for their input in obtaining the funding for a much-needed building.”

“I’m grateful to our state delegation as well as the Governor’s office for their tremendous leadership and support in securing this important grant," said Benjamin G. Blake, Mayor of Milford.

In October 2012, The State Bond Commission allocated $10 million for 2013 STEAP grants.